Edison Stanford Hearing Health Blog

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Leaves rustle, a twig snaps, your prey moves. To hit your target you must properly interpret the sounds of nature. Siemens SecureEar enhances the sounds around you, and protects your hearing by suppressing loud impulse noises, like a gun shot.

Good eyesight and a steady hand are essential when you’re hunting, and so is a keen sense of hearing. But the loud blasts of a rifle or shotgun pose a dilemma: while wearing uncomfortable muffs to protect your ears from the gun noise, you might not be able to hear the game, or your companions.

Introducing SecureEar, the new hearing protection solution from Siemens. This small instrument is ideal if you want to protect your hearing but you don’t want to miss the snap of a twig in the woods. And it’s not just for hunting; SecureEar is also recommended for use in situations where there are sudden loud noises like those coming from motor sports, car races, or environments where blasting equipment is used.

Exact fit.

SecureEar is worn inside the ear canal. A Hearing Care Professional fits the instrument individually based on an impression of your ear. The exact fit of the instrument acts like a plug that dampens gun noise. This high passive protection can reduce the blast of a rifle by up to 35 dB SNR (NRR under evaluation).

Acoustic telescope.

SecureEar also incorporates hearing technology that picks up and slightly amplifies the sounds relevant for hunting (including soft sounds like leaves rustling or a normal conversation). It acts like an acoustic telescope which you can adjust to suit the occasion.

Sound expertise.

As a world leader in the field of audiology, Siemens delivers top sound quality. SecureEar utilizes a four-channel chip with digital
processing. This helps suppress sounds coming from loud shop tools, lawn mowers, and other similar equipment, while enhancing speech and other soft sounds.

Uncompromised hearing.

The instrument settings are pre-defined for optimum impulse noise protection as well as loud noise suppression – without any compromise to hearing and understanding.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

September 7, 2011—Edison Stanford Hearing Centeris helping Salt Lake City residents with hearing loss regain their quality of life and remain socially active by raising awareness of a new comprehensive research study that shows how today’s technically advanced, sleekly designed hearing aids benefit people’s lives. According to the findings of the study, conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), eight out of ten hearing aid users say they are satisfied with the changes that have occurred in their lives specifically due to their hearing aids. And 82 percent of hearing aid users say they’d recommend hearing aids to their friends.

“These findings are both timely and encouraging,” says Paul Lloyd, BC-HIS, ACA. “More and more people are suffering from noise-induced hearing loss at younger and younger ages. But what many people don’t realize is how dramatically the quality of their lives can improve with the use of hearing aids.”

According to this comprehensive study of more than 2,000 hearing aid users, nearly 70 percent of respondents said their ability to communicate effectively in most situations improved because of their hearing aid. A little more than half said their hearing aids improved their relationships at home, their social life, and their ability to join in groups. And roughly forty percent noted improvements in their sense of safety, self-confidence, feelings about self, sense of independence, and work relationships. Between 25 and 33 percent of hearing aid users said they even saw improvements in their romance, sense of humor, cognitive skills, and mental, emotional, and physical health.

According to Lloyd, outdated notions about hearing aids pose a significant barrier that inhibits people from addressing their hearing loss. All told, public perception of hearing aids hasn’t kept pace with the new technologies and discreet designs of today’s modern devices. And unfortunately, these misperceptions are holding people back from addressing their hearing loss and improving their quality of life.

The BHI study bears out that 79 percent of people who do seek help and use hearing aids are satisfied with them, and 86 percent are satisfied with the benefit they derive from hearing aid usage.

What’s more, as hearing aid technologies advance, individuals are becoming even more satisfied. Consumers, for example, are more satisfied with mini-BTEs than ever before and report superior sound quality, cosmetics, and functionality in more listening situations. In fact, in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids because they have become miniaturized and nearly invisible due to the fact that an ear-mold is no longer necessary.

Ninety-one percent of all hearing aid users surveyed are satisfied with the ability of their hearing aids to improve communication in one-on-one situations. And more than three in four are satisfied in small groups (85%), while watching television (80%), outdoors (78%), during leisure activities (78%), while shopping (77%), and while riding in a car (77%).

“Today’s hearing aids are about staying young, not growing old,” explains Sergei Kochkin, PhD, BHI’s Executive Director, who authored the study. “People want to hold onto their vitality as they enter and move through middle-age. But when someone ignores a hearing loss—which oftentimes has progressed gradually over time as a result of repeated noise exposure—that individual unwittingly begins losing the very vitality they treasure. What this research shows, however, is that those who do face their hearing loss and use hearing aids are experiencing significant and satisfying improvements in their quality of life.”

Another important take-away from the study is that benefit received from the hearing aid, and quality of life improvements, were highly related to the quality of care provided by the hearing healthcare professional. Ideally, hearing health professionals will include testing in a sound booth; use probe microphones to verify the hearing aid fit; use an array of counseling tools to help people hear better and adapt to their hearing aids; and validate improvement in hearing associated with hearing aid use.

“I strongly urge people in Salt Lake City to make an appointment to get their hearing checked today,” says Lloyd. “Because hearing loss typically happens so gradually, it’s difficult for people to understand the full extent of the loss and the negative impact it has had on their well-being. But the good news is that hearing aids can help the vast majority of people with hearing loss regain their quality of life.”

To help consumers in purchasing hearing aids, and to guide them in what to look for in quality hearing healthcare, BHI has published a comprehensive publication entitled, "Your Guide to Buying Hearing Aids," which is available at buyersguide.edisonstanford.com.

The four-part BHI survey used the National Family Opinion Panel to assess consumer perceptions of the functionality of modern hearing aids; compared the new invisible mini-BTE hearing aids to traditional style hearing aids; asked respondents to share how their lives changed as a result of their hearing aids; and evaluated the role the hearing healthcare professional had on consumer success with hearing aids.

Edison Stanford Hearing Centers of Utah have been helping individuals improve their quality of life through amplification and hearing loss correction for more than 30 years. With two locations in the Wasatch Valley, we are dedicated to educating and assisting the public with complimentary hearing evaluations and screenings.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Edison Stanford Hearing Centers of Utah has created a team for the Walk4Hearing event scheduled in Sugar House Park on October 12, 2011. This event is to help increase awareness about hearing loss and hearing loss treatment. To donate to the team, or learn more, please visit Walk4Hearing.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Once hearing loss has been identified, it is essential that the next step includes education and counseling on the options available to help improve communication. There is a common misconception that hearing aids represent a cure for hearing loss. In reality, hearing aids are simply a tool to aid in the rehabilitative process. With realistic goals and knowing what to expect from hearing aids, an individual suffering from hearing loss can be successful in improving communication and understanding through amplification. This process takes dedication, commitment, and help from a hearing health care professional.

Education

Knowledge is power, and the first step to improving hearing loss is to be properly informed. All aspects of hearing loss should be covered by a hearing health care professional. From type and degree of hearing loss, tools for communication, and preventative and rehabilitative recommendations, the more an individual understands about the issue, the better decisions they can make to correct it.
If, after a through hearing exam is performed and amplification is recommended, a hearing health care professional should provide a step-by-step guide to the fitting and aural rehabilitation process. Before continuing with a fitting, the individual should conduct some of their own research in the types of hearing instruments available, how the adjustment process works, and the use of communication strategies to help aid in the rehabilitation process. The hearing health care professional should offer support and information in all of these areas, including several amplification options for your specific loss, as well as outlining a level of support after being fit with hearing aids.
Creating that support group of family and friends is key to the success of the individual who suffers from hearing loss. Educating these close individuals during the decision process allows them to better understand the hearing difficulties facing the individual and options available with today’s technology.

Expectations and Goals

Successful hearing aid use begins with setting realistic goals. Everyone’s needs and expectations are different, and so it is vitally important the hearing impaired sit down, one-on-one, with the hearing health care professional to outline the specific goals and expectations. Understanding what realistic expectations are is the first step. For example, if an individual expects their hearing to return to normal, this is unrealistic for even the most sophisticated hearing instruments available. If, however, the individual expects the hearing aid to ease the effectiveness of communication, this is a more realistic goal. Like many things in life, unrealistic expectations are the main cause of frustration with hearing aids. Including family and friends in the process of setting goals and understanding expectations will also contribute greatly to the success of the individual.
Identifying specific and timely goals is of the utter most importance. For example, most first time hearing instrument users experience fatigue during the first couple of months wearing their hearing aids. It is a good idea to set small goals that include specific levels or increments of hearing aid use. For example, during the first week, the individual might set a goal to wear the hearing instruments for only 2-3 hours per day, and increase the wear time by an hour every week. Other goals might include specific listening environments or situations that are particularly difficult for the individual to communicate in.

Post Fittings Sessions

The rehabilitation process begins immediately after the individual is fit with hearing aids. This process is much more than simply purchasing and wearing the hearing aids. It is imperative that the hearing health care professional provide post-fitting sessions as needed. These sessions are opportunities for the individual and hearing health care provider to work one-on-one verifying the hearing aid fitting, making proper adjustments, counseling on hearing aid use, and providing communication training.

Verification, Counseling, and Communication Strategies

Verification is most often performed using a Real Ear Measurement system. The hearing health care provider inserts a small microphone into the ear canal, along with the hearing instrument, and measures the actual amplified sound reaching the ear drum. This process helps provide objective information that can be compared side-by-side with the audiogram of the individual. It also provides an opportunity for the professional to make adjustments, based on the data, to the hearing aid to ensure a successful and proper fit. Other verification includes subjective situations including speech comprehension tests, and speech in noise tests, that measure the individual’s ability to understand speech in certain listening environments.
Starting with hearing aids can be very challenging. Because most hearing loss occurs gradually over time, the individual can become comfortable living in their quiet world. Small sounds that were once natural, such as footsteps, wind, or clanking dishes, can become a nuisance when brought back at all at once with the aid of hearing instruments. Adjusting is an individual issue and may take weeks or months. The hearing health care professional should be willing to help counsel and guide the individual through this period of adjustment.
Hearing instruments are effective tools for aiding in communication. Like all tools, however, they are only effective if used properly. Often time individuals who have suffered from chronic hearing loss have developed poor listening skills that require adjusting. Once hearing aids have been fit, it is extremely important that the individual’s communication skills be properly addressed. Working one-on-one with your hearing health care professional, the individual should be counseled and guided on improving communication skills including visual cues, environmental manipulation, where to position a listener in different situations, communicating in noise, and many other helpful communication skills.

Group Hearing Aid Orientation

Many hearing health providers are offering group hearing loss rehabilitation services, rather than on an individual basis. These sessions are attended by individuals who suffer from hearing loss, as well as their family and friends or support base. The Hearing Loss Association of America's Utah Chapter meets at 5709 South 1500 West Taylorsville, UT 84123-5217 every Wednesday from 7-9pm. For more information you can visit their website at http://www.hlaslc.org/.

Summary

When choosing a hearing health care provider, be sure to determine if they will be able to offer the variety of services required. Hearing aids are not a quick fix. Simply purchasing a hearing instrument and wearing it will not ensure a successful fitting or improved quality of life. Hearing instruments are simply tools that must be understood, adjusted, and used properly. If the individual’s motivation is improved communication by proper amplification, learning effective communication strategies, and effective counseling the chances are excellent for a proper fitting.
To learn more, or to schedule a complimentary hearing exam, call us at Salt Lake City 801-485-5595 | Provo 801-373-5887 or visit our website at http://www.edisonstanfordhearing.com

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

All too often we think we are helping a loved one who suffers from hearing loss, but refuses to use hearing aids, when we repeat ourselves, speak clearly, speak louder or interpret others if they do not understand. In reality we are aiding them in avoiding the help they need. Such efforts, though well intended, impede the individual from seeking the real help they need, hearing aids.

When we do these small things to help a loved one hear and understand they soon become co-dependent upon our ears to do the listening for them. Many individuals with hearing loss don’t realize the degree they’ve come to depend on other’s ears. It only takes a moment however, for them to quickly realize that without help from others they’re in a world of silence. This co-dependency significantly lowers the quality of life for both the individual suffering from hearing loss and the individual on whom they depend. This is why we at Edison Stanford Hearing Aids Centers of Utah recommend the following practical tips to help aid you in motivating an individual with hearing loss to seek appropriate and professional help:

Stop repeating yourself. Explain that you are allowing him, or her, the opportunity to realize the severity their hearing loss has on their ability to function in daily living. This does not mean you need to stop helping the individual all together, rather take a moment to point out the fact that you must repeat yourself often in order for them to understand. Once they notice that this is a common occurrence they will soon realize how much they rely on you to help them hear.

Stop raising your voice.

Stop being the messenger by carrying the communication load for the family. Don’t fall into the “he said” “she said” routine. Your loved one needs to be responsible for getting the information directly from the source.

Do not engage in conversation from another room. As often as this might occur in daily living. Try to avoid it at all costs. It sets up the conversation for failure from the beginning.

Create a telephone need. The same rules apply for the telephone. Don’t become their interpreter for all telephone conversations. Help them to notice their problems hearing on the telephone and create motivation for them to seek professional help.

Schedule a free hearing exam. Once your loved one realizes they need professional help, schedule a complimentary hearing exam at one of our two Utah locations, Salt Lake City (801-485-5595) or Provo (801-373-5887), or visit us on the web at http://www.edisonstanfordhearing.com.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Did you know that over 28 million Americans suffer from hearing loss and only 5% have taken steps to treat the problem? When an individual delays a decision to get hearing help, they are unaware of the fact that receiving early treatment for hearing loss has the potential to literally transform their lives. Research by the National Council on the Aging on more than 2,000 people with hearing loss demonstrated that hearing aids clearly are associated with impressive improvements in the social, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of people with hearing loss in all categories from mild to severe.

Hearing loss treatment was shown to improve: Earning power, communication in relationships, intimacy and warmth in family relationships, ease in communication, emotional stability, sense of control over life events, perception of mental functioning, physical health, and group social participation.

We understand that there is a great possibility some of the employees in Utah suffer from hearing loss and we are offering to help in any way possible. Our office of professional staff is ready to provide a complimentary hearing exam to any of the public over the age of 18. Due to the nature of the testing process, we recommend that the hearing exam is performed in our sound treated office, or for a preliminary evaluation, individuals can take our free 5-min hearing test online at http://www.edisonstanfordhearing.com/5-min-online-hearing-test.

It is also our pleasure to inform the public that through a new Utah State funded program, individuals whose job performance may be affected by hearing loss could qualify to have hearing aids provided at no charge. Working with the local government office we have already assisted in improving the quality of life for many individuals. We are confident that this has resulted in increased productivity and improved job performance for these individuals. These funds, however, are limited and we strongly recommend starting the process as soon as possible.

Please contact our office at your earliest convenience to set up a free hearing screening for your company. You may reach us, Monday-Friday, at our Salt Lake Office 801-485-5595 or Provo Office 801-373-5887.

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Edison Stanford Hearing Centers of Utah

Welcome to our Hearing Health Blog. We hope you find the information here helpful and informative. Our offices have been serving Utah communities for over 29 years and we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all individuals who suffer from hearing loss. This is the main reason we have started this online collection of helpful information. Please feel free to visit our main website, where you can find additional information including videos and up-to-date news articles.